2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Sentra. (126 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 874 kg more than 2005 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm) has 655 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Sentra. (175 Nm). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | SL | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2045 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.3 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
